Dyson Vacuum Not Working? (Troubleshooting Guide)

Owning a Dyson vacuum cleaner can make cleaning your home a breeze, but what should you do if it stops working as expected?

This troubleshooting guide will help you identify and resolve common issues that may arise with your Dyson vacuum, from power or electrical issues to accessory blockages and replacement part requirements.

Let’s move on…

How to Troubleshoot Dyson Vacuum Cleaner?

 

Here are the detailed guidelines:

Step 1: Check the battery and Power Outlet

Over time, the battery in a Dyson vacuum can degrade, leading to power issues.

If you have a cordless Dyson vacuum, check if the battery is malfunctioning or not holding a charge. For corded models, inspect the power cord, plug, and outlet for any faults.

To test the power outlet, try plugging in another device, like a phone charger. If the outlet and cord are working fine, check the connection port for dust or carbon buildup and clean it if needed.

Note, if your vacuum’s battery is not holding charge or is not charging at all, replace it with a new one. Failure to do so can result in your vacuum ceasing to function altogether.

Step 2: Check and clean the filters

The majority of Dyson vacuums, including stick, corded, and cordless models, feature a removable filter located beneath the front grill of the machine.

This filter can become clogged with debris such as pet hair or dust mites, hindering the vacuum’s performance.

So, make sure the filter is clean and dust-free.

If it appears to be dirty and clogged, wash it thoroughly with tap water and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it.

Make sure to remove any remaining dust particles. Cleaning the filter will ensure that airflow is uninterrupted, which should solve any problems.

For those who are using a Dyson V11, we have created a step-by-step guide for cleaning the filter.

You can read it by clicking on this link.

Step 3: Check and empty the dustbin

Have you emptied the dustbin?

If its dustbin is filled up with debris or dust, your vacuum will stop working. Dyson recommends emptying the dustbin after each use to ensure optimal performance.

So, check if the dustbin is full. If it is, empty it.

For those who may not be familiar with the process, I have previously written an article detailing how to efficiently empty a Dyson dustbin. Please feel free to refer to that link for detailed guidelines.

Sometimes, the red lever (bin release button) may become stuck, making it difficult to empty the dustbin. If this happens, please refer to our comprehensive guide for instructions on how to properly unstuck the bin release button.

Step 4: Clean the Brush Roll

Brush roll is an essential component for effectively collecting dirt and debris from the floor.

As you vacuum, this roll gathers dust, hair, and other debris and deposits them into the dustbin.

However, it is not uncommon for the brush roll to become clogged with hair or other obstacles while vacuuming, and if you don’t clean it regularly, this clogging can prevent the brush roll from spinning properly.

To remedy this issue, remove any debris or hair that may be wrapped around the brush roll, and then check again if it’s spinning now.

Step 5: Remove any blockage from the hose and wand

When the brush roller does its job, it sends all the dust and debris to the dustbin through the hose.

Using the vacuum for a long time without cleaning, some debris or dust may clog the hose and prevent the dust from reaching the dustbin.

In this case, cleaning and removing debris from the hose may fix your problem, and your Dyson may start working again. Check the vacuum cleaner’s hose and wand for any blockages, and make sure that the suction path is blockage-free!

If you don’t know how to check and clean the Dyson hose and wand, refer to this link.

Step 6: Do a visual check of everything and call a repair man

If your Dyson vacuum is still not working after troubleshooting, do a final visual inspection:

✔ Ensure all attachments are securely in place.
✔ Check for hidden clogs in the hose and brush roll.
✔ Verify that the battery (for cordless models) or power source (for corded models) is functioning properly.

If the issue persists, it might be time to call a Dyson repair specialist.

Dyson Brush Not Spinning

If your Dyson vacuum brush roll is not spinning, the most common culprit is a blockage. However, other possible causes include:

• A damaged brush motor
• A broken belt
• A power supply issue
• A faulty control board

To fix a clogged brush roll:

1️⃣ Turn off & unplug the vacuum.
2️⃣ Remove the brush bar by pressing the release button.
3️⃣ Cut away tangled hair or debris wrapped around the bristles.
4️⃣ Secure the brush bar back in place and test the vacuum.

If the brush still won’t spin, the motor or belt may need to be replaced.

Dyson vacuum not working after cleaning the filter

Did your Dyson vacuum stop working after cleaning the filter? Here’s what to check:

✔ Ensure the filter is properly reinstalled—it should be locked in place.
✔ Let the filter dry completely before putting it back (moisture can prevent the vacuum from working).
✔ Check for any other blockages in the suction path.

If still no luck, call a repairman!

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F.A.Q.s

Q. Dyson Vacuum Shuts Off After A Few Minutes

It may be because the airflow is blocked. Even if you have cleaned the filter, there may be other blockages.

• Unplug your vacuum from the power source and keep it unplugged for about 5 minutes. After that, plug in again and check if the problem is fixed!
• Check the filter: If the filter is clogged, it can cause the vacuum to overheat and shut off. But if the problem persists after washing the filter with tap water, deep clean the filter and its compartment again.

Q: My Dyson vacuum loses suction power. What could be causing this?

Loss of suction can occur due to several reasons.

Check if the dust bin or filter is full and needs to be emptied or cleaned. Clogged hoses or brushes can also reduce suction. Make sure there are no blockages and clean the brushes and hoses as necessary.

Q: Why is my Dyson vacuum making strange noises during operation?

Unusual noises can indicate a problem with the vacuum.

Check for any debris or obstructions caught in the brush bar or hoses. Additionally, inspect the vacuum’s wheels and ensure they are clean and in good condition